Navy Searches for 6 Missing Crew as Oil Spill Threatens Gulf
The Royal Thai Navy is conducting a second day of search operations for six missing crew members after the fishing fuel tanker "Venus 14" capsized in the Gulf of Thailand off Prachuap Khiri Khan. Authorities are also preparing for a potential environmental disaster as the vessel carried 280,000 liters of diesel, which modeling shows could threaten 61 rai of coral reefs if a leak occurs.
On November 12, 2026, the Maritime National Interest Protection Command Center Region 1 (MNIPC-1) together with the First Naval Area Command (NAV-1) continued search and rescue operations for all six crew members of the fishing fuel carrier "Venus 14" for a second consecutive day after the vessel capsized in the Gulf of Thailand on November 11.
For the operation, officials deployed HTMS 113 with special operations teams, surveillance aircraft, Marine Department vessels, and personnel from relevant agencies to continuously search the area, hoping to locate and rescue the six missing crew members as quickly as possible.
The incident occurred at coordinates 12°20'N, 100°29'E, approximately 28 nautical miles from marine resources in Sam Roi Yot District and about 50 nautical miles from Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan District.
Simultaneously, officials are closely monitoring the environmental situation because the capsized vessel carried approximately 280,000 liters of diesel, which could impact the marine ecosystem if a leak occurs. Personnel, vessels, helicopters, and oil spill containment equipment have been readied for immediate deployment in case of emergency.
The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), through the Central Gulf of Thailand Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center, has assessed risk areas and reports no oil leakage detected so far. However, relevant agencies continue close monitoring due to the large volume of fuel aboard.
Modeling by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) estimates that if a leak occurs, the oil slick could move south from the incident site before bending west or southwest following currents and environmental factors.
Should the slick enter Prachuap Khiri Khan Bay, it could affect approximately 61 rai of coral reefs, including Ko Rad (25 rai), Khao Lom Muak (15 rai), Ko Lek (11 rai), Ko Rom (6 rai), and Ko Hi Lam (4 rai). However, the severity of impact will depend on the type and volume of oil leaked, concentration, exposure duration, and ecosystem vulnerability in each area. These figures represent only modeled risk assessments, not actual damage.
All agencies continue to prioritize the search and rescue mission for the six crew members while preparing environmental protection measures. The public is asked to support the officers working at full capacity.
For maritime emergencies, the public or fishermen can contact the Maritime National Interest Protection Command Center via hotline 1465 or 02-888-1465, available 24 hours.
